Darnell Washington: Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice (2023 Fantasy Football)

The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts. Landing spots and draft capital have been determined, and we’re here with your dynasty rookie draft outlooks. Let’s take a look at what Derek Brown expects of Darnell Washington.

Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks & Predictions: Darnell Washington

Darnell Washington (PIT)

Stats:

• 2022 (minimum 20 targets)
  • Yards per route run: 20th
  • PFF receiving grade: 11th

• Career
  • 66.2% inline during his career at Georgia

Scouting report:

• Washington is a nasty customer in run blocking. With his size and physicality, he can manhandle incoming tacklers. He was lined up in the backfield and utilized as a lead blocker plenty of times. Washington’s towering build (6’7″) can allow him to be chopped down, but he displays surprising bend.
• Washington might never be a high-volume target in the NFL. His height will make him an automatic weapon in the red zone. His catch radius is massive, and his body control (especially considering his size) is eye-opening when paired with his soft hands. He can adjust quite well to low passes and poorly-thrown balls.
• Washington looks lumbering in the open field with build-up speed that can get stopped in its tracks if he’s contacted early after the reception. If you allow him to build up steam, he can swat incoming tacklers like pesky gnats.

Player Comp: Jelani Woods

Dynasty Outlook: Darnell Washington’s star has dimmed since the combine. It seems like years ago, he was getting hype about possibly being a first-round selection in the NFL Draft. Washington fell to the third round due to concerns over a previous foot issue that he’s dealt with multiple times. Pittsburgh ranked fourth in 11 personnel usage before Chase Claypool was traded. With Allen Robinson on the team, they are likely a top-five team again in the usage of three wide receiver sets this year. That means Washington will be vying for part-time snaps this season, as Pat Freiermuth will be the starter. Washington’s best hope is that the team deploys him as a red zone weapon. However, touchdown equity alone won’t help Washington gain fantasy viability unless he can earn significant snaps and routes. Washington tumbles down to my TE8 for this class. I’ll avoid him for wide receivers and running backs in most drafts.

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